Smart Case For Mobile Photography

ABSTRACT

A mobile device case is configured to facilitate coupling of an auxiliary lens assembly along an optical path of a miniature camera module of a mobile device. A case processor and electrical circuitry embedded within the case are configured to detect the presence of the auxiliary lens assembly that is coupled to the lens attachment interface. A lens recognition sensor is coupled to the case processor and electrical circuitry and is configured to identify the auxiliary lens with a specific lens type.

PRIORITY AND RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/010,919, filed Jun. 18, 2018; which is a Continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/437,439, filed Feb. 20, 2017, now U.S. Pat.10,003,724; which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/624,568, filed Feb. 17, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,596,393; and whichclaims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.62/108,506, filed Jan. 27, 2015; and which is related to one of fourcontemporaneously-filed applications by the same Applicant and Inventorsthat are entitled: An Integrated Multi-Functional Case for MobilePhotography, application Ser. No. 14/624,571, now U.S. Pat. No.9,781,319; Smart Case for Mobile Photography, application Ser. No.14/624,568, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,596,393; Auxiliary Lens for MobilePhotography, application Ser. No. 14/624,573, now U.S. Pat. No.9,467,608; and A Mobile Device Case for Capturing Digital Images,application Ser. No. 14/624,577, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,729,770. Each ofthese priority and related applications is hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND

Embedded devices such as mobile phones, including Android, Apple andSamsung phones, are often equipped with miniature camera modules. Theseminiature camera modules typically include only a single fixed-focuslens and an image sensor. Some of these devices have softwareapplications downloaded or otherwise stored on them that permit limitedchoices in pre-capture camera settings, such as exposure duration andflash setting, and some provide limited post-capture image editingcapabilities designed to compensate for the inadequacy of the built-inoptics. Image processing software is however incapable of providing realimages of objects that are too close or too far from the device, or ofscenes including multiple objects that require greater depths of fieldin order to capture them without intolerable amounts of defocus blur orof scenes with moving objects without excessive motion-related blur,among other imaging issues. It is therefore desired to be able tosupplement the built-in optics of a miniature camera-enabled embeddeddevice with one or more additional lenses or other optics.

Auxiliary lenses for mobile smartphones with camera modules aretypically clipped onto the smartphone. These clip-on lenses putmechanical stresses on the smartphone directly along the optical path ofthe camera modules that can result in distortional stresses that canmechanically weaken the device and can distort the optical quality ofcaptured images. Clip-on lenses are also unstable and often movelaterally when smartphone precapture settings are being adjusted, duringimage capture and when the smartphone is being temporarily stored in abag or pocket or on a table top. It is desired to have a way to attachan auxiliary lens to a mobile device in stable alignment with the opticsof the built-in camera module.

Smartphones are used for capturing digital images in a variety ofsituations. In the past, a person operating a camera could not be in thepicture because of the unwieldy nature of the camera and thecamera-object distances typically involved in capturing an entire scenethat may include multiple persons and perhaps background buildings orother objects. Some conventional cameras include a built-in delay toallow the camera operator to quickly duck into the scene that is basedon a predetermined time duration or that uses face recognitiontechniques wherein image capture awaits a smiling camera operator toenter the scene. Either way, it is difficult to spontaneously, stablyand accurately position and direct a camera to capture a picture withoutbeing held by a human operator. Today, “selfies” are more commonly madepossible because smartphones and other mobile devices with built-inminiature camera modules are permit front-side display of the precaptureimage and these mobile devices are typically lightweight enough to holdin one hand while an image is captured. Nonetheless, it is desired to beable to more easily handle a mobile device during a one-handed imagecapture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a mobile camera system including a casecoupled around a camera-enabled mobile phone, a lens attachmentinterface embedded within or integral with the case, a lens recognitionsensor and processor contained within the case, and a lens coupled tothe phone at the lens attachment interface and aligned along the opticalpath of the mobile camera system in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIGS. 2A schematically illustrates a lens coupled to a lens attachmentinterface that is configured to be embedded or integrated within a casefor a camera-enabled mobile phone and that is configured to detectand/or uniquely identify the attached lens using one or more Hall Effectsensors, in accordance with certain embodiments. For example, the lensholder of each type of lens may include a unique pattern of magneticelements.

FIGS. 2B-2C illustrate examples a case including electrical componentsof Hall Effect sensors in accordance with FIG. 2A. A lens attachmentinterface cavity is defined in the case illustrated at FIGS. 2B-2C forembedding, stabilizing or otherwise coupling a lens attachment interfacein position to receive a lens aligned along the optical path of a mobilecamera system in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIGS. 3A-3B and 3A(i)-3A(iii) schematically illustrate a lens coupled toa lens attachment interface that is configured to be embedded orintegrated within a case for a camera-enabled mobile phone and that isconfigured to detect and/or uniquely identify the attached lens usinginductive sensing in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a lens coupled to a lens attachmentinterface that is configured to be embedded or integrated within a casefor a camera-enabled mobile phone and that is configured to detectand/or uniquely identify the attached lens using capacitive sensing inaccordance with certain embodiments.

FIG. 5A schematically illustrates a lens coupled to a lens attachmentinterface that is configured to be embedded or integrated within a casefor a camera-enabled mobile phone and that is configured to detectand/or uniquely identify the attached lens based on completion of aunique electrical circuit upon attachment of the lens at the lensattachment interface, in accordance with certain embodiments. Forexample, the lens holder of each type of lens may include a uniquepattern of electrical contacts. An analog value is measurable with thecircuit of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5B schematically illustrates a lens coupled to a lens attachmentinterface that is configured to be embedded or integrated within a casefor a camera-enabled mobile phone and that is configured to detectand/or uniquely identify the attached lens based on completion of aunique electrical circuit upon attachment of the lens at the lensattachment interface, in accordance with certain embodiments. Forexample, the lens holder of each type of lens may include a uniquepattern of electrical contacts. A digital value is measurable with thecircuit of FIG. 5B.

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a lens coupled to a lens attachmentinterface that is configured to be embedded or integrated within a casefor a camera-enabled mobile phone and that is configured to detectand/or uniquely identify the attached lens by reading a uniqueidentification number that is stored in an integrated circuit that isintegrated with the lens holder in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a lens coupled to a lens attachmentinterface that is configured to be embedded or integrated within a casefor a camera-enabled mobile phone and that is configured to detectand/or uniquely identify the attached lens using near fieldcommunication or radio frequency identification to read a unique tagembedded with each lens type in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a lens coupled to a lens attachmentinterface that is configured to be embedded or integrated within a casefor a camera-enabled mobile phone and that is configured to detectwhether a lens is currently coupled to the lens attachment interface inaccordance with certain embodiments. For example, the lens attachmentinterface may be configured to receive a lens having a micro-bayonet orother protrusion that closes a circuit when the lens is attached.

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a lens coupled to a lens attachmentinterface that is configured to be embedded or integrated within a casefor a camera-enabled mobile phone and that is configured to detect anduniquely identify a lens that is coupled to the lens attachmentinterface in accordance with certain embodiments. For example, the lensattachment interface may be configured to receive a lens having amicro-bayonet or other protrusion with detent features that are uniqueto each lens type in accordance with certain embodiments. For example,the detent features that are unique to each lens type may completeunique circuits such that a different voltage or current is measureddepending on which lens type is attached at the lens attachmentinterface.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of an example of a case that is configuredto couple with a camera-enabled mobile phone or other embedded device inaccordance with certain embodiments.

FIGS. 11A-11C schematically illustrate an example of a lens attachmentinterface co-mold in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIGS. 11D-11G schematically illustrate top, bottom, side and perspectiveviews of a further example of a lens attachment interface in accordancewith certain embodiments.

FIGS. 11H-11T schematically illustrate several views of an auxiliarylens holder that is designed to couple stably at a lens attachmentinterface in accordance with FIGS. 11D-11G of a functional mobile devicecase in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIG. 12A-12D schematically illustrate an example of a case for couplingwith a mobile phone or other embedded device in accordance with certainembodiments.

FIG. 13A-13C schematically illustrate an example of a lens attachmentinterface in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIG. 14 schematically illustrates a cutaway view of an exemplarycamera-enabled mobile device case and lens attachment interface inaccordance certain embodiments.

FIGS. 15A-15G schematically illustrate examples of camera-enabled mobiledevice cases in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIG. 15H schematically illustrate a tripod accessory in accordance withcertain embodiments.

FIG. 15I schematically illustrates a wireless communication featurebetween the mobile device case and an attachable auxiliary lens inaccordance with certain embodiments.

FIG. 15J schematically illustrate a camera strap attachment inaccordance with certain embodiments.

FIG. 15K schematically illustrates a mobile phone case coupled around amobile device that includes an installed camera module and an attachedauxiliary lens and camera style grip for enhanced image capturingcapability in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIGS. 16A-16D schematically illustrate an example of a main PCB coverportion of a case in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIG. 17A illustrates a metallic component before it is bent to form adetent spring for a shutter button for a camera-enabled mobile devicecase in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIGS. 17B-17F illustrate a detent spring for a shutter button for acamera-enabled mobile device case in accordance with certainembodiments.

FIGS. 18A-18F illustrate a detent spring holder for use with the detentspring of FIGS. 17B-17F for a shutter button for a camera-enabled mobiledevice case in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIGS. 19A-19D schematically illustrate a shutter button mechanismassembly for a camera-enabled mobile device case in accordance withcertain embodiments.

FIGS. 20A-20G schematically illustrate a shutter button for acamera-enabled mobile device case in accordance with certainembodiments.

FIGS. 21A-21C schematically illustrate a mechanism attaching shutterbutton and spring for a camera-enabled mobile device case in accordancewith certain embodiments.

FIGS. 22A-22C schematically illustrate a friction slider for a shutterbutton mechanism for a camera-enabled mobile device case in accordancewith certain embodiments.

FIGS. 23-28 schematically illustrate examples of alternative shutterbutton mechanisms for camera-enabled mobile device cases in accordancewith certain embodiments.

FIGS. 29-33 illustrate screen shots of graphics generated based onprogramming and data gathered by components of a camera-enabled mobiledevice case in accordance with certain embodiments. For example, FIG. 29illustrates wide angle lens recognition, and FIGS. 30-31 illustratetouch screen lighting and exposure adjustment while the shutter buttonillustrated by the examples illustrated at FIGS. 10 and 17A-28 ishalf-pressed as in FIG. 32. FIG. 33 illustrates a full pressed shutterbutton for image capture in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIGS. 34A-34E schematically illustrate a battery door for acamera-enabled mobile device case in accordance with certainembodiments.

FIGS. 35A-35E schematically illustrate a camera strap attachment for acamera-enabled mobile device case in accordance with certainembodiments.

FIGS. 36A-36D schematically illustrate a custom grip case for acamera-enabled mobile device case in accordance with certainembodiments.

FIGS. 37A-37C schematically illustrate an inner cushion/lining of acamera-enabled mobile device case in accordance with certainembodiments.

FIGS. 38A-38G schematically illustrate a camera-enabled mobile devicecase configured to couple with a lens in accordance with certainembodiments.

FIGS. 39A-39C schematically illustrate a camera-enabled mobile devicecase configured to couple with a lens in accordance with certainembodiments.

FIGS. 40-42 schematically illustrate a capacitive touch slider for acamera-enabled mobile phone device case in accordance with certainembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF THE EMBODMENTS

A mobile camera system is provided herein that includes a camera-enabledmobile device, a case and a removable lens assembly. The mobile deviceincludes a miniature camera module embedded within the mobile deviceincluding a built-in lens and an image sensor for capturing digitalimages. A mobile device processor is configured for processing thedigital images. A mobile device display is configured for viewing thedigital images. The case is configured to be coupled around thecamera-enabled mobile device. A lens attachment interface is embeddedwithin or integral with the case. The removable lens assembly isconfigured to be coupled to the lens attachment interface in stablealignment along the optical path of the miniature camera module. A caseshutter button mechanism is configured for actuating the miniaturecamera module of the mobile camera system. A case processor andelectrical circuitry embedded within the case are configured to detectthe presence of the removable lens that is coupled to the lensattachment interface. A lens recognition sensor that is coupled to thecase processor and electrical circuitry is configured to identify theremovable lens as being configured in accordance with a particular oneof multiple lens types.

The removable lens assembly may include a lens holder, or attachmentthereto, having embedded therein one or more magnetic elements. The lensrecognition sensor may include one or more Hall sensors disposed inaccordance with the one or more magnetic elements for measuring a Hallcurrent, Hall voltage or a related quantity having a value that differsfor each of the multiple lens types sufficient to uniquely identify theremovable lens as a particular one of the multiple lens types. Themagnetic elements may include approximately same or similar magneticproperties and disposed in different binary configurations depending onlens type.

The lens recognition sensor may include one or more conductive coils.The removable lens assembly may include a lens holder, or attachmentthereto, disposed in accordance with the one or more conductive coilsand having a different amount of conducting material for each of themultiple lens types sufficient to uniquely identify the removable lensas a particular one of the multiple lens types when an induced magneticfield is measured by the lens recognition sensor. The conductingmaterial of each type of lens may include an approximately same orsimilar charge density and a different volumetric amount of material.

The lens recognition sensor may include a capacitance reference plate.The removable lens assembly may include a lens holder, or attachmentthereto, disposed in accordance with the capacitance reference platesuch as to form a capacitor and complete a RC circuit having a differentvalue of capacitance for each of the multiple lens types sufficient touniquely identify the removable lens as a particular one of the multiplelens types when one or both of a charge time or a decay time is measuredfor the RC circuit. The composition of the lens holder, or attachmentthereto, of each type of lens may include an approximately same orsimilar electrical material and a different volumetric amount ofmaterial. The composition of the lens holder, or attachment thereto, ofeach type of lens may include an approximately same or similarelectrical material and a different volumetric shape.

A removable lens assembly may include a lens holder, or attachmentthereto, that has one or more electrical lens holder contacts. The lensrecognition sensor may include one or more sensor contacts disposed inaccordance with the one or more electrical lens holder contacts forcompleting a circuit having a measurable electrical value that differsfor each of the multiple lens types sufficient to uniquely identify theremovable lens as a particular one of the multiple lens types. Theelectrical lens holder contacts may be disposed in different binaryconfigurations depending on lens type.

A removable lens assembly may include a lens holder, or attachmentthereto, including an integrated circuit (IC) that has an uniqueidentifier that differs for each type of the multiple lens types. Thelens recognition sensor may include an IC reader circuit that isconfigured to read the unique identifier from the IC. The removable lensassembly may include a coupling interface that is configured to couplewith the lens attachment interface and to complete the IC reader circuitwhen the removable lens assembly is coupled to the case. The couplinginterface may include a micro-bayonet interface.

A removable lens assembly may include a lens holder, or attachmentthereto, including a near field communication (NFC) or radio frequencyidentification (RFID) tag, or both, that is unique for each type of themultiple lens types. The lens recognition sensor may include a NFCreader circuit or a RFID reader circuit, or both, that is configured toread the NFC or RFID tag.

A removable lens assembly may include a coupling interface that isconfigured to couple with the lens attachment interface and may includea detent configuration to complete a lens sensor circuit when theremovable lens assembly is coupled to the case. A compete lens sensorcircuit in this embodiment has a measurable electrical value thatdiffers based on the detent configuration for each of the multiple lenstypes sufficient to uniquely identify the removable lens as a particularone of multiple lens types.

A removable lens assembly may include a physical characteristic thatdiffers from that of other lens types of the multiple lens types andthat is measurable by the lens recognition sensor to uniquely identifythe removable lens assembly as a particular one of multiple lens types.

A removable lens assembly may include a lens type identification meansthat is measurable by the lens recognition sensor to uniquely identifythe removable lens assembly as a particular one of multiple lens types.

The multiple lens types may include wide angle and telephoto lens types.

A mobile device case is provided in accordance with certain embodimentsfor coupling around a mobile device that includes a miniature cameramodule. A case housing is configured to securely couple around at leasta portion of the periphery of the camera-enabled mobile device.

A case processor and electrical circuitry are embedded within the caseand configured to detect the presence of the removable lens coupledstably in optical alignment with the miniature camera module. The caseis configured to define therein a lens attachment aperture shaped bothto permit light from an object to be captured as a digital image totravel along the optical path of the miniature camera module to abuilt-in image sensor of the miniature camera module of the mobiledevice. The lens attachment aperture defined in the case is alsoconfigured to facilitate stable coupling of a removable lens in opticalalignment with the miniature camera module. A case shutter buttonmechanism is configured for actuating the miniature camera module of themobile camera system. A lens recognition sensor is coupled to the caseprocessor and electrical circuitry to identify the removable lensassembly as being configured in accordance with a particular one ofmultiple lens types.

A removable lens assembly may be configured to couple stably inalignment along the optical path of the miniature camera module. Theremovable lens assembly and case may be configured in accordance withany of several embodiment described herein that are configured forrecognition of lens type.

An auxiliary optical assembly is also provided for a mobile device thatincludes a miniature camera module. A removable lens assembly of theauxiliary optical assembly includes a lens holder, a lens coupled to thelens holder, and a coupling interface. A lens attachment interface ofthe auxiliary optical assembly is configured for coupling to the mobiledevice, and is configured in accordance with the coupling interface ofthe removable lens assembly to stably couple and align the removablelens along the optical path of the miniature camera module.

The lens attachment interface may be configured to stably couplecoaxially with a lens attachment aperture of a mobile device case thatis coupled around the mobile device.

The lens attachment interface may comprise a mobile device case that iscoupled around the mobile device. In accordance with this embodiment,the case may include one or more of the case features described herein.For example, the case may include a lens recognition sensor configuredto automatically recognize a specific one of multiple removable lenseseach having different optical properties. The case may include aprocessor and electrical circuitry that is programmable by a softwareapplication in accordance with a lens recognition process, selectablepre-capture settings or post-capture image editing or combinationsthereof. The case may include a case shutter button for actuating theminiature camera module of the mobile camera system, comprising ahalf-press feature for adjusting precapture settings and a full-pressfeature for capturing an image.

The case may have an ergonomic case design that balances auxiliary lensweight and other case components for single-handed precapture adjustmentand image capture. A single finger may be used with a capacitive sliderfeature to scroll through precapture menu items, select certain items,adjust certain precapture settings and/or capture an image.

The lens attachment interface may be configured for adhesive coupling tothe mobile device.

The coupling interface of the removable lens assembly may have amicro-bayonet design for rotatable coupling with the lens attachmentinterface.

Another mobile camera system is provided herein in accordance withcertain embodiments. A camera-enabled, mobile device that includes aminiature camera module embedded within the mobile device may include abuilt-in lens and an image sensor for capturing digital images. A mobiledevice processor may be configured for processing the digital images. Amobile device display is configured for viewing the digital images. Acase is configured to be coupled around the camera-enabled mobiledevice. A lens attachment interface is embedded within or integral withthe case, or the case is configured in accordance with a lens attachmentinterface that is coupled directly to the mobile device. A removablelens is configured to be coupled to the lens attachment interface andstably aligned along the optical path of the miniature camera module.

A case processor and electrical circuitry are embedded within the casethat are configured to detect the presence of the removable lens that iscoupled to the lens attachment interface. A case shutter buttonmechanism is configured for actuating the miniature camera module of themobile camera system, and includes a half-press feature for adjustingprecapture settings and a full-press feature for triggering capture ofan image.

The case shutter button mechanism may include a case shutter button anda detent mechanism coupled between the case shutter button and an imagecapture button of the mobile device. The detent mechanism may beconfigured to facilitate half-press motion of the case shutter buttonwhen finger pressed by a camera user and to inhibit full-press motion ofthe case shutter button during adjustment of one or more precapturesettings by the camera user prior to image capture.

Half-press motion may include depressing and latching the image capturebutton of the mobile device. Half-press motion may include triggering aprecapture settings adjustment process. The precapture settingadjustment process may include exposure duration adjustment.

The case may include one or more auxiliary light sources, and theprecapture setting adjustment process may include selecting anillumination condition for the one or more auxiliary light sources. Theselecting of the illumination condition may include adjusting lightingintensity by programming the mobile device to trigger illumination of anobject during image capture with a selected subset of the one or moreauxiliary light sources. The selecting of the illumination condition mayinclude adjusting lighting direction by programming the mobile device totrigger illumination of an object during image capture with a selectedsubset of the one or more auxiliary light sources.

The mobile device may include one or more flash light sources. Theprecapture setting adjustment process may include selecting anillumination condition for the one or more flash light sources.

Full-press motion may include releasing the image capture button of themobile device and triggering an image capture process.

The detent mechanism may include a detent spring and a detent springholder.

The detent mechanism may include a friction slider and spring-bearingmechanism attachment button configured for slidable coupling with thefriction slider upon actuation of the case shutter button.

The detent mechanism may include a spring mechanism and a multipleposition snap dome. The spring mechanism may include a wave springdisposed between the case shutter button and the snap dome. The springmechanism may include a mechanical spring disposed between the caseshutter button and the snap dome. The spring mechanism may include asnap dome shutter button, a first spring disposed between the caseshutter button and the snap dome shutter button, and a second springdisposed between the snap dome shutter button and the snap dome. Thespring mechanism may include an elastomeric dome switch disposed betweeninner and outer subsections of the mobile phone case. The springmechanism may include an elastomeric dome switch disposed between thecase shutter button and the snap dome.

The spring mechanism may include a double elastomeric switch.

Another mobile device case is provided herein for coupling around amobile device that includes a miniature camera module. The case housingis configured to securely couple around at least a portion of theperiphery of the camera-enabled mobile device. A case processor andelectrical circuitry embedded within the case are configured to detectthe presence of the removable lens coupled stably in optical alignmentwith the miniature camera module. The case is configured to definetherein a lens attachment aperture shaped both to permit light from anobject to be captured as a digital image to travel along the opticalpath of the miniature camera module to a built-in image sensor of theminiature camera module of the mobile device, and to facilitate stablecoupling of a removable lens in optical alignment with the miniaturecamera module. A case shutter button mechanism is configured foractuating the miniature camera module of the mobile camera system, andincludes a half-press feature for adjusting precapture settings and afull-press feature for triggering capture of an image.

The case shutter mechanism may be configured in accordance with any ofthe embodiments described herein.

The lens attachment aperture may be shaped to stably couple a lensattachment interface with the case.

The lens attachment aperture may be shaped to integrally include a lensattachment interface.

A lens recognition sensor may be configured to automatically recognize aspecific one of multiple removable lenses each having different opticalproperties.

A software application may be configured for programming the caseprocessor in accordance with selectable pre-capture settings and/orpost-capture image editing or both.

A lens attachment interface may be configured for coupling an auxiliarylens in stable alignment along the optical path of the miniature cameramodule of the mobile camera system. The auxiliary lens may include amicro-bayonet design for rotatable coupling with the lens attachmentinterface.

The case may have an ergonomic design that balances auxiliary lensweight with the case processor and electrical circuitry at approximatelya grip location for singled-handed precapture adjustment and imagecapture.

Another mobile camera system is provided herein in accordance withcertain embodiments. The system includes a camera-enabled, mobiledevice; including a miniature camera module embedded within the mobiledevice that has a built-in lens and an image sensor for capturingdigital images. A mobile device processor is configured for processingthe digital images, and a mobile device display is configured forviewing the digital images. A case is coupled around the camera-enabledmobile device. A removable lens assembly includes a lens holder, a lenscoupled to the lens holder, and a coupling interface. A lens attachmentinterface is embedded within or integral with the case or coupleddirectly to the mobile device, and is configured in accordance with thecoupling interface of the removable lens assembly to stably couple andalign the removable lens along the optical path of the miniature cameramodule. A case processor and electrical circuitry are embedded withinthe case and are configured to detect the presence of the removable lensthat is coupled to the lens attachment interface. A case shutter buttonmechanism is configured for actuating the miniature camera module of themobile camera system.

The coupling interface of the removable lens assembly may include abayonet tab. The lens attachment interface may include a detent portionthat at least partially defines a lens attachment cavity that is shapedin accordance with the bayonet tab of the removable lens assembly tostably couple and align the removable lens along the optical path of theminiature camera module of the mobile device.

The bayonet tab may have an oblong shape. The lens attachment interfacemay include a detent that defines an oblong cavity having a shortdimension that is smaller than the long dimension of the bayonet tabsuch that the oblong cavity is penetrable by the bayonet tab at a firstrelative orientation while the bayonet tab stably couples within theoblong cavity in a second relative orientation.

The bayonet tab may have a rectangular shape.

The lens attachment interface may define a circular cavity in a firstplane while the detent overlaps the circular cavity in a second planethat is spaced-apart from the first plane along the optical path.

The lens attachment cavity may include a lens attachment portion and aflash portion adjacent to a lens attachment portion to permit light froma mobile device flash to illuminate an object to be imaged. The lensattachment portion of the lens attachment cavity may be defined in afirst plane that is spaced further from an image sensor of the miniaturecamera module than a second plane within which the flash portion of thelens attachment cavity is defined.

The case may define a case cavity around the optical path of theminiature camera module that accommodates the coupling of the removablelens at the lens attachment interface. The case cavity may also beshaped, at a flash portion adjacent to a lens attachment portion, topermit light from a mobile device flash to illuminate an object to beimaged.

The lens holder of the removable lens assembly may define a cavityaround the optical path of the miniature camera module to permit lightfrom an object being imaged to reach an image sensor of the miniaturecamera module. The coupling interface of the removable lens assemblyalso defines a cavity around the optical path of the miniature cameramodule to permit light from an object being imaged to reach an imagesensor of the miniature camera module. The cavities of the couplinginterface and lens holder are approximately coaxial with the opticalpaths of the miniature camera module and removable lens.

Another mobile device case is provided in accordance with certainembodiments for coupling around a mobile device that includes aminiature camera module. A case housing is configured to securely couplearound at least a portion of the periphery of the camera-enabled mobiledevice. A case processor and electrical circuitry embedded within thecase that are configured to detect the presence of the removable lenscoupled stably in optical alignment with the miniature camera module.The case is configured to define therein a lens attachment apertureshaped both to permit light from an object to be captured as a digitalimage to travel along the optical path of the miniature camera module toa built-in image sensor of the miniature camera module of the mobiledevice, and to facilitate stable coupling of a removable lens in opticalalignment with the miniature camera module. A case shutter buttonmechanism is configured for actuating the miniature camera module of themobile camera system. A lens attachment interface is embedded within orintegral with the case or is coupled directly to the mobile device, andis configured in accordance with the lens attachment aperture and acoupling interface of a removable lens assembly to stably couple andalign the removable lens assembly along the optical path of theminiature camera module. The coupling interface of the removable lensassembly and the lens attachment interface may be configured for bayonetcoupling or otherwise in accordance with any of several embodimentsdescribed herein.

Another auxiliary optical assembly is provided herein for a mobiledevice that includes a miniature camera module. A removable lensassembly of the auxiliary optical assembly includes a lens holder, alens coupled to the lens holder, and a coupling interface. A lensattachment interface of the auxiliary optical assembly is configured inaccordance with the mobile device to stably couple to the mobile device,and in accordance with the coupling interface of the removable lensassembly to stably couple and align the removable lens along the opticalpath of the miniature camera module.

The lens attachment interface may be configured for adhesive coupling tothe mobile device.

The lens attachment interface may be shaped in accordance with a shapeof the mobile device.

The lens attachment interface may also be sized in accordance with asize of the mobile device.

The lens attachment interface may define an aperture that is coaxiallyconfigured in accordance with an optical path of a miniature cameramodule of the mobile device.

The coupling interface of the removable lens assembly may include abayonet tab. The lens attachment interface may include a detent portionthat at least partially defines a lens attachment cavity that is shapedin accordance with the bayonet tab of the removable lens assembly tostably couple and align the removable lens along the optical path of theminiature camera module of the mobile device.

The bayonet tab may be configured in with an oblong and/or curved shapein accordance with any of several removable lens embodiments and lensattachment interface embodiments described herein. A case may beconfigured in accordance with the coupling interfaces of the removablelens and lens attachment interface as described in various embodimentsherein.

Another mobile camera system is provided in accordance with certainembodiments. A camera-enabled, mobile device of the system includes aminiature camera module including a built-in lens and an image sensorfor capturing digital images. A mobile device processor is configuredfor processing the digital images, and a mobile device display is forviewing the digital images. A case housing is coupled around thecamera-enabled mobile device. The case has a center of gravityapproximately at an image capture grip location of the case housing. Alens attachment interface is embedded within or integral with the case,or attached directly to the mobile device.

A removable lens is coupled to the lens attachment interface and stablyaligned along the optical path of the miniature camera module. A caseshutter button mechanism is configured for actuating the miniaturecamera module of the mobile camera system.

The case shutter button mechanism may be configured for user actuationof a half-press feature for calling a precapture settings menu and alsofor user actuation of a full-press feature for triggering capture of animage. The case shutter button mechanism may be configured forone-handed user actuation of both the precapture settings menu and thetriggering capture of an image. The case shutter mechanism may beconfigured to display the precapture settings menu on a touch screeninterface of the mobile device.

The case shutter button mechanism may include a capacitive touch slidercoupled with the case and configured for user actuation of a precapturesettings menu and for triggering capture of an image. The case shutterbutton mechanism may be configured for one-handed user actuation of boththe precapture settings menu and triggering capture of an image. Thecase shutter mechanism may be configured to receive one or two fingertaps for triggering one or the other of the user actuation of theprecapture settings menu and triggering capture of an image. The caseshutter mechanism may be configured to receive one or both of finger orthumb slide inputs for adjusting one or more values within theprecapture settings menu.

The capacitive touch slider may include an elongated touch platedisposed at a grip end of the mobile phone case at an acute angle to aplane of the mobile phone case. The capacitive touch slider may includean elongated touch plate disposed at a grip end of the mobile phone caseopposite the miniature camera module and the removable lens.

The case housing may have coupled therein a case battery, a caseprocessor and electrical circuit components at a grip end of the casehousing. The case processor and electrical circuit components may beconfigured to detect the presence of the removable lens that is coupledto the lens attachment interface. The case processor and electricalcircuit components may be configured to identify the removable lens as aspecific lens type. The electrical circuit components may include aBluetooth radio.

The case housing may define a removable lens recess configured toaccommodate lens integration along the optical path of the miniaturecamera module.

The lens attachment interface may be configured for coupling a removablelens in stable alignment along the optical path of the miniature cameramodule of the mobile camera system including a micro-bayonet design forrotatable coupling.

A case processor may be embedded within the case housing and a softwareapplication may be configured for programming the case processor inaccordance with selectable pre-capture settings and/or post-captureimage editing or both.

An ergonomic case design may be configured to balance auxiliary lensweight and other case components at approximately a grip location forsingled-handed precapture adjustment and image capture. The case housingmay define a removable lens recess that is configured to bothaccommodate lens integration along the optical path of the miniaturecamera module and balance at least some auxiliary lens weight in asecond dimension.

Another mobile device case is provided in accordance with certainembodiments for coupling around a mobile device that includes aminiature camera module. A case housing is configured to securely couplearound at least a portion of the periphery of the camera-enabled mobiledevice. A case processor and electrical circuitry embedded within thecase are configured to detect the presence of the removable lens coupledstably in optical alignment with the miniature camera module. The caseis configured to define therein a lens attachment aperture shaped bothto permit light from an object to be captured as a digital image totravel along the optical path of the miniature camera module to abuilt-in image sensor of the miniature camera module of the mobiledevice, and to facilitate stable coupling of a removable lens in opticalalignment with the miniature camera module. A case shutter buttonmechanism is configured for actuating the miniature camera module of themobile camera system.

The lens attachment aperture may be shaped to stably couple a lensattachment interface with the case.

The lens attachment aperture may be shaped to integrally include a lensattachment interface.

The mobile device case may be further configured in accordance with anyof several embodiments described herein.

Several embodiments of mobile camera devices, mobile camera devicecases, lens attachment interfaces for mobile camera devices and/ormobile camera device cases, half-press/full-press shutter buttons formobile camera devices and functional mobile camera device cases, andsoftware applications, accessories and other features are describedbelow herein with reference to FIGS. 1-42 of the drawings. Variousfeatures are illustrated in the several example embodiments that areillustrated in multiple subsets of the drawings.

Several embodiments of mobile camera devices, mobile camera devicecases, lens attachment interfaces for mobile camera devices and/ormobile camera device cases, half-press/full-press shutter buttons formobile camera devices and functional mobile camera device cases, andsoftware applications, accessories and other features are describedbelow herein with reference to FIGS. 1-42 of the drawings. Variousfeatures are illustrated in the several example embodiments that areillustrated in multiple subsets of the drawings.

FIGS. 1-10 particularly illustrate examples of lens detection andrecognition methods and devices including non-contact and directelectrical contact techniques. That is, example embodiments aredescribed below and illustrated in the drawings whereby specific lenstypes, of multiple selectably removable mobile lens types each havingdifferent optical properties, are recognizable and discernibleautomatically by electronics and software embedded within the mobilecamera device case. In some embodiments, the lenses, lens holders and/orone or more features of the lens attachment interfaces of the lenses andmobile device cases are configured to facilitate lens recognition.Example techniques involve the use of one or more Hall effect sensors,inductive or capacitive sensors, and/or direct electrical connections.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a mobile camera system including a case2 coupled around a camera-enabled mobile phone 4 or other embeddedmobile camera device 4. A lens attachment interface 6 is coupled to,removably attached to, embedded within or formed integrally with thecase 2.

A lens recognition sensor (8) is signal connected, electrically by lenssensor connection 10, and/or wirelessly by Bluetooth, RF and/or IR orother wireless technique, to a main printed circuit board (PCB) 12,which includes a lens sensor interface 14 and a processor 16. The mainPCB 12 optionally includes a Bluetooth smart radio 18. The example case2 illustrated at FIG. 1 includes a battery 20 which may be any ofseveral types such as a coin cell as shown.

A lens 22 is shown in FIG. 1 coupled along the optical path of aminiature camera module (not shown in FIG. 1) that is an installedcomponent of the phone 4. The lens 22 is coupled to the case 2 and phone4 at the lens attachment interface 6 in stable alignment with a lens andimage sensor of the embedded miniature camera module of the mobilecamera system.

Lens Detection and Recognition

Lens recognition can be thought of as involving both lens detection andlens type identification.

Lens detection permits that device to know that a lens that has beenspecially-designed to couple with a case equipped with lens recognitioncomponents or a standardized lens has been attached and not a foreignobject or a lens that uses a non-conforming interface.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate a magnetic field sensing lens recognitiontechnique. A precisely placed magnet 24 or subset of magnets 24 or arrayof magnets 24 are built-into the lens 22 illustrated at FIG. 2A, or lensholder or an attachment to the lens 22 or lens holder. The lens sensor28 in this embodiment, which is built-into the mobile camera device case2 (see FIG. 1) along with a lens sensor connection 10 to a main PCB 12,includes a Hall-effect sensor 30 or array of Hall-effect sensors 30. Inthe example of FIG. 2A, there are four Hall-effect sensors 30 that eacheither detect magnetic field or don't depending on whether the lens 22includes a magnet at the location associated with the particular Hallsensor 30 of the array of sensors 30.

If there are no magnets, the Hall sensors will measure 0000. If thereare four magnets, the Hall sensors will measure 1111. If the specificlens 22 includes one of four magnets, the Hall sensors will measure1000, 0100, 0010 or 0001 depending on which of the four locations thatthe magnet is placed. If the lens 22 has two of four magnets, the Hallsensors will measure 1100, 1010, 1001, 0110, 0101 or 0011 depending onwhich two of the four locations that the magnets are disposed at. Ifthere are three magnets, the Hall sensors will measure 1110, 1101, 1011,or 0111 depending which of the four locations does not have a magnetplaced there. In all, 16 different lens types can be identified usingthe four Hall sensors and the binary method described and illustrated inthis example. Note that the sensors can also measure the oppositepolarity, for example with one magnet the measurement could be 0111,1011, 1101, 1110. Multiple lenses containing a unique combination ofmagnets can be detected (presence) and differentiated (uniquelyidentified).

FIGS. 2B-2C alternatively illustrate a case 2 including a Hall sensorinterface 28 including four Hall sensors 30, and a lens sensorconnection 10 to a main PCB 12. A lens attachment interface cavity 32 isdefined in the case 2 of each of FIGS. 2B-2C. The lens attachmentinterface cavity 32 is configured in shape and location to permit stablecoupling of a lens attachment interface 6 (not shown in FIGS. 2B-2C, butsee FIGS. 10-11 and 13-14) to the case 2 so that a lens 22 may becoupled in stable alignment with the miniature camera module embedded inthe mobile camera device, e.g., an iPhone, Android or Samsung phone orother smart phone, embedded device or camera device.

FIG. 3A illustrates an example of a device that uses an inductivesensing lens recognition technique. The technique involves creating eddycurrents in the metal lens holder body or attachment to the lens holderand measuring the strength of the induced magnetic field using a tunedcoil lens sensor 38 in the connected case (not shown in FIG. 3A, but seeFIGS. 1, 2B-2C and 10). The tuned coil sensor 38 is connected by asensor connection 40 to a main PCB 42. An example tuned coil sensor 38includes: 18 turns, 2 layers, 0.25 mm sp, 1 oz. Cu, 7 mil tr/sp, and hasa fixed target distance of ˜2 mm, and a coil that is 100% covered butoffset 8 mm, and is a 14 mm PCB coil at ˜8 μH. An example sensorconnection 40 includes long coil traces on top and solid ground plane onbottom. An example main PCB 42 includes 4 layer PCB, coil traces on topand solid ground on layer 2. Each of multiple lens types will produce aunique induced magnetic field magnitude depending on the properties ofthe lens holder.

In the example illustrated at FIG. 3A, three lens types are shown asFIGS. 3A(i)-3A(iii) that each have a same amount of stainless steel, butdifferent amounts of anodized aluminum. In this example, the density ofanodized aluminum is the same in each of lens holders 44, 46 and 48,illustrated at FIGS. 3A(i)-3A(iii), respectively, while lens holder 46includes twice as much anodized aluminum as lens holder 44 and lensholder 48 includes three times as much anodized aluminum as lens holder44, because lens holder 44 has a height of 10 mm, lens holder 46 20 mm,and lens holder 48 30 mm.

FIG. 3B illustrates a specific electrical circuit example of theinductive sensing lens recognition technique of the embodimentillustrated at FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a device that uses a capacitive sensinglens recognition technique. A capacitive sensing technique is providedin this example embodiment by using the lens body 22A as a capacitorplate and measuring the RC decay time and frequency response when drivenby the connected case. A capacitance reference plate 48 is connected bya lens sensor connection 50 to a main PCB 52. The plate 48, connection50 and PCB 52 are embedded within a case ((not shown in FIG. 4, but seeFIGS. 1, 2B-2C and 10). When a lens 22 is attached to the case thatincludes a lens housing 22A and lens optic 22B, the lens housing 22A andlens optic 22 function as a capacitor plate 22A and dielectric 22B,respectively, wherein the capacitance reference plate 48 completes thecapacitive circuit element. A RC circuit includes a resistor 54. Whenpower is applied to the RC circuit, the charge and decay times depend onthe capacitance of the lens capacitor formed by the lens 22 andreference plate 48 which differs depending on which lens type isattached, thereby identifying the attached lens type.

In the example of FIG. 4, when a lens and lens housing (22) are attachedto a mounting plate 48, the capacitance formed by the lens housing 22Aand capacitance reference plate 48 changes such that the current flowingthrough the resistor 54 on the main PCB 52 takes a different amount oftime to charge the change in capacitance. Multiple lenses representingdifferent capacitance values can be detected (presence) anddifferentiated (uniquely identified) based on the time of charge anddecay.

FIG. 5A illustrates an example of a device that uses electricalconnections between exposed electrodes 57 on a lens sensor interface 58and exposed electrodes 60 on a lens 22 or lens holder 22A or attachmentto a lens holder 22A. A direct electrical connection technique isprovided in this embodiment that utilizes the conductive properties ofthe lens body 22A to complete an electrical circuit to be measured bythe connected case. In this example wherein the lens sensor interface 58includes four electrodes 57, eight (8) unique combinations of connectedand non-connected electrodes 57 permit discernment by the processor 16of the main PCB 62 of eight different lens types, as follows:

If there are no connections between lens sensor interface electrodes 57and lens holder electrodes 60, the PCB 62 will measure a specificelectrical quantity associated with the 000 configuration, where “0”represent no connection and “1” represents a connection. If there arethree connections, the PCB 62 will measure a specific electricalquantity associated with the 111 configuration. An electrical circuitexample is illustrated within the main PCB 62 in FIG. 5A, including aconfiguration of resistors and a defined positive reference 64, negativereference 66, and measurement node 68. Each type of lens 22 has anelectrode 60 that contacts the negative reference 66. If the specificlens 22 includes an electrode 60 that contacts one of the threeelectrodes 57 that are not the negative reference 66 when the lens 22 isattached to the case (not shown in FIG. 3A, but see FIGS. 1, 2B-2C and10), the PCB 62 will measure an electrical quantity unique to the 100,010, or 001 contact configurations depending on which of the threelocations that the contact is made. If the lens 22 has two contacts ofthree the PCB 62 will measure an unique electrical quantitycorresponding to which of the 110, 101, or 011 contact configurationswhere the two contacts are made. If there are three contacts made whenthe lens 22 is coupled to the case, the PCB 62 will measure anelectrical quantity that depends on which of the 111 contactconfigurations is made. In all, 8 different lens types can be identifiedusing the three contacts 57 that read a unique configuration of up tofour electrodes 60 for each lens type, and the binary adder methoddescribed and illustrated in this example.

FIG. 5A illustrates an analog method of identification where the voltageat the measurement node is a binary sum of each connection point presentat the lens. In certain embodiments, the analog voltage is fed to ananalog to digital converter and quantified to determine the unique lenstype.

FIG. 5B schematically illustrates a digital method of identificationwhere each lens connection point represents a ‘1’ or ‘0’. The presenceor absence of connection points at the lens forms a unique digitalbinary code to determine the unique lens type.

The filter block in FIG. 5B includes a combination of resistors andcapacitors to reduce noise that may be coupled to the system fromvarious sources.

In the example of FIG. 5A, an electrical connection is made betweenexposed conductive points on the lens body and the sensor. Current thenflows from the positive reference through each sensor connection pointback to the negative reference. The created voltage at the measurementnode will be unique to each lens type. Multiple lenses having adifferent number of connection points can be detected (presence) anddifferentiated (uniquely identified) based on the voltage at themeasurement node.

In the example of FIG. 5B, an electrical connection is made betweenexposed conductive points on the lens body and the sensor. Current thenflows from the microprocessor pin through each sensor connection pointback to the negative reference. The created voltage at eachmicroprocessor pin is indicative of a connection point on the lens.Multiple lenses having a different number of connection points can bedetected (presence) and differentiated (uniquely identified) based onthe binary combination of connections.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of embedded components, including a lenssensor connection 70 and main PCB 72 of a mobile camera device case thatreads the lens type from a unique identifier provided by an integratedcircuit 74 or other readable technique. In this embodiment, a directelectrical connection provides a lens recognition technique by using anintegrated circuit 74 in or attached to the lens 22 that contains anidentification number that is read electrically by the PCB 72 of aconnected case. Each lens type has a different unique identifier that isreadable by the PCB 72. A circuit may be formed when a lens 22 iscoupled into stable alignment with the miniature camera module of themobile camera device at a lens attachment interface that is coupled withor integral with a mobile device case that is itself coupled around themobile device. In this embodiment, a micro-bayonet lens interface 76 isillustrated that includes an electrical isolation portion 78, such thata IC read circuit is completed when the lens 22 is stably coupled to alens attachment interface (not shown in FIG. 6, but see FIGS. 10-11 and13-14) upon rotation of the lens and attachment between themicro-bayonet interface 76 of the lens 22 and the lens attachmentinterface that is coupled to or integral with the mobile device case(not shown in FIG. 6, but see FIGS. 1, 2B-2C and 10).

In the example of FIG. 6, an integrated circuit 74 containing a uniqueID is embedded in each lens. An electrical connection is established viathe micro-bayonet interface 76 allowing the main PCB 72 to read theunique value. The unique ID read from the lens 22 allows a lens 22 to bedetected (presence) and differentiated (uniquely identified) based onthe ID value.

FIG. 7 illustrates another lens recognition technique that utilizes NearField Communication (NFC) by using a field-powered radio frequency(RFID) tag (80) in or attached to the lens 22 that contains anidentification number that is read by the connected case or the phoneNFC radio and passed to the processor. A NFC Antenna 82 reads the RFIDtag 80 and is connected by lens sensor connection 84 to a NFC reader 86of a main PCB 88, that also includes a processor 90 and Bluetooth smartradio 92, that are built-into a mobile device case (not shown in FIG. 6,but see FIGS. 1 and 2B-2C) that is configured such that an auxiliarylens may be coupled thereto in stable alignment with a miniature cameramodule of a mobile device.

In the example of FIG. 7, near field communication (NFC or RFID) tag 80containing a unique ID is embedded in each lens 22. An NFC/RFID tagreader 86 generates a field to power the tag 80 allowing the main PCB 88to read the unique value stored in the NFC tag 80. The unique ID readfrom the lens tag allows a lens 22 to be detected (presence) anddifferentiated (uniquely identified) based on the ID value.

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a technique for detecting whetherconforming or standardized lens has been coupled to a mobile device caseand aligned with an optical path of an embedded camera module. In theexample illustrated at FIG. 8, an electrical spring connection is madebetween a spring electrode 93 and a reference electrode 94. When aconforming or standardized lens 22, e.g., including micro-bayonet 96 orother such lens interface that includes a tab 98 is coupled to a lenssensor interface of a mobile device case, the tab 98 serves to compressa spring 93 that makes contact with a reference electrode 94 andcompletes an electrical circuit to be detected by a processor 100 of aPCB 102 embedded within a connected case. In the example of FIG. 8, whenthe micro-bayonet 96 is rotated 90° into place, the bayonet tab 98pushes the spring electrode 93 into its compressed position. The spring93 when compressed completes a circuit that allows current to flow fromthe reference electrode 94. When the micro-bayonet 98 is unrotated andremoved the spring 93 relaxes and the circuit is broken. When thecurrent flows in the circuit, the lens 22 is detected (presence).

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a technique for detecting whetherconforming or standardized lens has been coupled to a mobile device caseand aligned with an optical path of an embedded camera module, andidentifying which of multiple lens types has been attached. The lensrecognition technique that is illustrated at FIG. 9 in accordance withan example embodiment utilizes an electrical clip 104 that connects withbayonet tab detents 112 configured uniquely to identify the lens typeand the conductive properties of the metal spring clips 104 to completean electrical circuit to be measured by the connected case. In theexample illustrated at FIG. 9, an electrical spring connection is madebetween one of multiple spring electrode clips 103 and an electricalconnection point 104 on a lens sensor connection 106 that completes acircuit in a Main PCB 108.

In the example of FIG. 9, the micro-bayonet tabs 112 have detentsmachined at distinct intervals. The absence or presence of a detentfeature is unique to each lens type. When the micro-bayonet 110 isrotated 90° into place, the bayonet tab 112 pushes features on a customclip 103 into place such that the absence of a detent causes the clip103 to make contact with an exposed electrode 104 on the sensorinterface circuit 106. When the clip 103 makes contact with theelectrode 104, current then flows from the positive reference througheach clip connection point 104 back to the negative reference 118. Thecreated voltage at the measurement node 114 will be unique to each lenstype. Multiple lenses 22 having a different detent pattern can bedetected (presence) and differentiated (uniquely identified) based onthe voltage at the measurement node 114.

When a conforming or standardized lens 22 of a specific lens type, e.g.,including a micro-bayonet interface 110 or other such lens interfacethat includes a tab 112 including detent features that are unique to thespecific lens type of the lens 22 that is coupled to the mobile devicecase that includes an embedded lens sensor connection 106 and PCB 108,the tab 98 serves to make electrical contact with a unique combinationof the spring electrode clips 103 and completes an unique electricalcircuit on the PCB, e.g., including the resistors, the measurement node114 and the positive reference 116 and the negative reference 118 shownschematically in FIG. 9. An unique electrical quantity is measured andmatched by processor 120 to a specific lens type of a lens 22 that iscurrently connected to the mobile device case and aligned with itsintegrated miniature camera module.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of an example of a case assembly that isconfigured to couple around a camera-enabled mobile phone, such as aniPhone, or an Android or Samsung smart phone, or other embedded devicethat includes an installed camera module in accordance with certainembodiments. The case assembly of the example embodiment of FIG. 10includes an overmold 201 that may be formed from polycarbonate withTPU/silicone or another material such as any standard mobile device casematerial. The case assembly of FIG. 10 further includes a lensattachment interface 202, a mount interface overmold 203, a main PCBcover 204, a battery door 205 and battery 215, and a camera strapattachment 206.

A half-press/full-press image capture shutter button is also illustratedin the example embodiment of FIG. 10 including a button mechanismassembly 207, a detent spring 208 and detent spring holder 209. Furtherexample embodiments of the half-press/full-press shutter button areillustrated at FIGS. 17A-28.

FIG. 10 further illustrates a custom grip plate 210, and an innercushion/lining 211 of an example case assembly. A white plastic LED 212is also illustrated at FIG. 10.

Electrical circuits 213 and 214 are illustrated at FIG. 10schematically. Some examples of these circuits 213 and 214 have beendiscussed with reference to FIGS. 1-9 as electric circuit and/orwireless components of a PCB 12, 42, 52, 62, 72, 88, 102, 108, lenssensor connection 10, 40, 50, 61, 70, 84, 99, 106 and lens sensorinterface 8, 28, 38, 48, 58, 70, 82, 99, 103 as set forth in severalnon-limiting examples.

Lens Attachment Interface

Lens attachment interface integration with a case is provided in certainembodiments by a custom designed stamped metal micro-bayonet interfacedetail co-molded into the material of the case. In other embodiments, acustom designed stamped metal micro-bayonet interface is adhered to thecase using a mount plate that is designed and configured to be adheredto back or inside of phones/devices using adhesive or magnetic material.

FIGS. 11A-11C schematically illustrates examples of a lens attachmentinterface co-mold in accordance with certain embodiments. In the exampleof FIG. 11A, a chamfered edge 1102 is designed to look clean from thetop angle and to help guide the lens into place for easy attachment. Amolded in depression 1104 acts as an alignment dot for when attachinglens. An area 1106 covers the flex sensor PCB. Detail 1108 is meant tolook clean as if it was molded into place or is same curvature as insidecase of shell. In the example of FIG. 11B, a surface 1110 is flush withthe front of the phone case. In the example of FIG. 11C, a stamped mountinterface 1112 is visible a small amount. This feature 1112 is clear toensure lens can attach properly. The surface 1114 matches curvature ofinside of phone case, and matches iPhone 6 curvature. Mount interface1116 is a shape of the rest of the mount interface can be re-designed toensure optimal co-molding design and conforms to Apple case designspecification. The material may be polycarbonate (MT-11006) or TPU/TPE(MT-11005). The example of FIG. 11A-11C may be co-molded into full caseor is a secondary attachment and adhered in place

FIGS. 11D-11G illustrate top, bottom, side and perspective views ofanother example lens attachment interface in accordance with certainembodiments that may be co-molded with a mobile device case, or designedfor stable coupling between the mobile device and a firmly installedcase. In the example of FIG. 11D which schematically illustrates a topview of a bayonet interface (phone side), bayonet tabs drop into placeof phone interface side. In the example of FIG. 11F, bayonet tabs rotate90° and interfere with the detent of the stamped plate to createpressure and hold the lens into place, hitting the final position of thestamped interface which stops rotation. In the example of FIG. 11G, astamped stop 1120 of mount plate and stamped interface detent 1122 areschematically illustrated. FIGS. 11H-11T illustrate several views of anauxiliary lens holder that is designed to couple with the auxiliary lensattachment interface of FIGS. 11D-11G. In the example of FIGS. 11H-11T,the material may be 17-4 annealed stainless steel which may be fullyhardened, and surfaces may be matte black. FIGS. 11A-11T are describedin additional detail below with reference to example auxiliary lensembodiments.

The combination of the microbayonet tabs and the lens attachmentinterface permits that microbayonet feature of an auxiliary lens topenetrate the plane of the lens attachment interface cavity in a firstorientation and then to stably couple the lens to the lens attachmentinterface and mobile device case when rotated 90 degrees to a secondorientation. The rotation need not be 90 degrees, but may be a smallerangle between some minimum and 90 degrees and even beyond 90 degrees tosome maximum before the tabs again line up with the interface cavitymaking it detachable. The lens may be positioned onto the case with thebayonet tabs penetrated through the lens attachment cavity, and then maybe rotated, or alternatively, translated, to overlap the bayonet tabswith detent features of the lens attachment interface of stably couplethe auxiliary lens into position along the optical path of the cameramodule of the mobile device.

FIG. 12A-12D schematically illustrates an example of a case for couplingwith a mobile phone or other embedded device in accordance with certainembodiments. An aperture 300 in the case illustrated at FIGS. 12B and12D is designed to accommodate the stable coupling of a separate lensattachment interface such as element 202 of FIG. 10 or any of the lensattachment interfaces illustrated schematically at FIGS. 13A-13C and 14.FIG. 12A illustrates a cutout 302 for a half-press/full-press shutterbutton, e.g., including a slight chamfer around the slot 302 onovermolded material. In the example side view illustrated schematicallyin FIG. 12A, a button access 1202 is shown designed into overmoldmaterial, and a hole 1204 for a LED is shown with slight chamfer aroundhole in overmold material. In the example rear view shown schematicallyin FIG. 12B, a curvature 1206 of the case matches a curvature of aniPhone 6. A MOMENT word mark 1208 is schematically illustrated in FIG.12B as being identified 0.2 mm-0.25 mm deep and polished in cavity. Inthe example of FIGS. 12A-12D, the shell material 1210 may be whitepolycarbonate, the overmold material 1212 may be jet black TPU/silicone.In the example of FIG. 12C, a button access 1214 designed into overmoldmaterial is schematically illustrated.

FIG. 12D illustrates an area 303 for detail that covers a flex PCB lensrecognition sensor such as any of those described in the examplesprovided at FIGS. 1-9. The detail may be molded into the case orsecondary assembled and bonded into place. The area 303 also has astamped mount interface co-molded into. FIG. 12D also shows a locatingpoint 1216 for a flex PCB and a locating point 1218 for a main PCB. Alocating feature 1220 is also illustrated schematically in FIG. 12D.FIG. 12D also shows an example of a molded guide 304 for the shutterbutton mechanism or another button mechanism of the mobile device.Another molded guide 306 is shown in FIG. 12D for a spring holder thatis used to facilitate proper tension in the spring and button assemblyof the half-press/full-press shutter button that is illustrated by theexamples of FIGS. 17A-28.

FIG. 13A-13C schematically illustrates an example of a lens attachmentinterface in accordance with certain embodiments. The lens attachmentinterface 320 of FIGS. 13A-13C defines a lens mount cavity 322 thataccommodates a microbayonet feature of an auxiliary lens, and flashcavity 324 that permits a built-in flash of a mobile device toilluminate an object to be imaged without being blocked by the lensattachment interface 320. In this embodiment, a narrow region 326connects the two cavities 322 and 324 such that the regions 322, 324 and326 together define a single cavity having a barbell shape with detentlens coupling features in at least one of the circular or elliptical endregions of the cavity. In other embodiments, two or three distinctcavity regions may be defined in an alternative lens attachmentinterface, e.g., such as that illustrated at FIGS. 11D-11G and FIG. 14.

FIGS. 13B-13C illustrate a lens attachment interface 320 having a thickend 328 and a thin end 330. The different thicknesses of the regions 328and 330, and the existence of the narrow region 326, permit an auxiliarylens to be translated into position after penetration of cavities 324and 326 at the thin end 330 to the thick end 328 before or afterrotation of the auxiliary lens into stable coupling with the lensattachment interface 320 over the cavity 322 that is approximatelycentered on the optical path of the camera module of the mobile device.In the example of FIGS. 13A-13C, the thickness of the plate 320 may be30 gauge, and the material may be 17-4 stainless steel, fully hardened,and the color may be PVD coating black, then electrochemical coloring.The plate 320 may be configured with deburr and break edges up to 0.2and without sharp edges.

FIG. 14 schematically illustrates a cutaway view of an exemplarycamera-enabled mobile device case 402 and lens attachment interface 406in accordance certain embodiments. A lens attachment interface 406 fitsstably into a pocket in the case 402 in this embodiment. The interface406 may alternatively be molded into the case 402. The interface 406includes an elongated shape that conforms approximately in length withthe length of the short side of a rectangular mobile device such as asmartphone made by Apple, Samsung, LG other Android manufacturer.

The interface 406 includes aperture 410 and aperture 412. Aperture 410is sufficiently elongated that a slightly smaller elongated microbayonetfeature of an auxiliary lens may penetrate the aperture 410 when thelong axes are aligned, and serves to stably couple the auxiliary lens tothe case 402 after rotation by 90 degrees more or less. The auxiliarylens includes magnets or electrical contacts or an IC or other readablelens type identifier such that the lens sensor 408 (see, e.g., FIGS.1-9) can perform a measurement to be analyzed by a processor 410 on aconnected printed circuit board 412 to determine the lens type andcustom image setting, processing and editing processes and applicationsto be used in accordance with the determined lens type.

FIG. 15G illustrates the lens attachment interface 406 of the example ofFIG. 14 may include a metal plate 420 such that an attached magnet mayhold the interface 406 in place at the long end of an example mobiledevice (e.g., iPhone) where the miniature camera module is located.

FIGS. 15H-15K schematically illustrate a case for picture takers that ishandable, mountable, connected and the new shooter with Bluetooth andproprietary lens sensor technology. FIG. 15H schematically illustrates atripod 1230 mountable for long exposure time lapse function on OS8. FIG.15I schematically illustrates talk 1232 between a lens and a case. FIG.15J schematically illustrates a quick release compatible strap 1234.FIG. 15K schematically illustrates an integrated lens mount 1236 and acamera style grip 1238.

FIGS. 16A-16D schematically illustrate an example of a main PCB coverportion of a case in accordance with certain embodiments. The materialmay be polycarbonate. The color may be jet black. The finish may be moldtech finish number MT-11006.

In certain embodiments, Bluetooth control of certain features isprovided, including shutter control, focus, exposure, lighting, power,and other pre-capture settings and post-capture editing control thathave been described elsewhere herein. In addition, certain embodimentsinclude features described at US published application no.US2012/0282977, which is incorporated by reference.

Half-Press/Full-Press Shutter Button

A half-press/full-press shutter button in accordance with certainembodiments includes half-press touch-screen functionality. That is,while the shutter button is held in half-press mode, touch screencontrol functions are accessible and/or burst mode and/or video may beenabled. Half-press also enables certain pre-capture features such aslighting and exposure adjustment, flash options, auto-focus, facedetection/tracking focus or manual focus selection, and image size,scene mode, ISO, white balance, color effect, timer, geotagging andshutter sound options, as well as normal, high dynamic range, panorama,continuous shot and portrait options, and time catch shot selection, aswell as a voice shutter option. Any subset of these features may beenabled while the shutter button is being held in half-press mode. FIGS.17A-28 illustrate several example half-press/full-press buttonembodiments, including various mechanical and electrical features.

FIGS. 17A-28 schematically illustrate example embodiments of a customdesigned mechanism to enable actuation of an electro-mechanicalinterface for adjusting pre-capture settings and capturing digitalimages. Each implementation has a custom design to actuate two differentswitches with one tactile button (button); one for half press (e.g.,focus and expose image and other pre-capture settings, see above) andthe second for full press (capture image). The logical functions of thetwo switches are defined in software and thus are not tied specificallyto focus, expose, other pre-capture settings, and image capture. Thesemay be referred to as full press and half press.

In certain embodiments, a stamped metal spring is used with a casehaving a button that actuates half press and full press switches on aPCB. There is a metal stamped detail adhered to the button. In thisembodiment a HDPE detail is used to decrease friction of the buttonmechanism. In addition, this embodiment may include a stamped metalspring and stamped spring holder.

FIG. 17A illustrates a metallic component before it is bent to form adetent spring for a shutter button for a camera-enabled mobile devicecase in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIGS. 17B-17F illustrate a detent spring for a shutter button for acamera-enabled mobile device case in accordance with certainembodiments. In the example of FIGS. 17A-17F, the dimensions are inmillimeters. The material may be 0.8 mm thick beryllium-copper alloy 25,fully hardened slowly to ensure no distortion.

FIGS. 18A-18F illustrate a detent spring holder for use with the detentspring of FIGS. 17B-17F for a shutter button for a camera-enabled mobiledevice case in accordance with certain embodiments. In the example ofFIGS. 18A-18F, the dimensions are in millimeters. The color, materialand finish may be black, polycarbonate/delrin and smooth surface with nouneven machine marks, respectively.

FIGS. 19A-19D schematically illustrate a shutter button mechanismassembly for a camera-enabled mobile device case in accordance withcertain embodiments. FIG. 19A schematically illustrates an explodedperspective view including a mechanism attaching button and spring 1242,a shutter button 1244 and a friction slider for button mechanism 1246.The prongs of the mechanism attaching button and spring 1242 are adheredinto slots of friction slider for button mechanism 1246. The shutterbutton 1244 fits around the mechanism attaching button and spring 1242and is adhered into place. In the example of FIG. 19C, the button 1244is not on the same plane as the liner since the liner is meant todecrease friction during button actuation.

FIGS. 20A-20G schematically illustrate a shutter button for acamera-enabled mobile device case in accordance with certainembodiments. The material may be polycarbonate. The color may be jetblack. The finish may be polished/gloss from front surface to dashedline called out on FIGS. 20A-20G.

FIGS. 21A-21C schematically illustrate a mechanism attaching shutterbutton and spring for a camera-enabled mobile device case in accordancewith certain embodiments. The dimensions are in millimeters. Thematerial may be stainless steel.

FIGS. 22A-22C schematically illustrate a friction slider for a shutterbutton mechanism for a camera-enabled mobile device case in accordancewith certain embodiments. The dimensions are in millimeters. Thematerial may be cross-linked polyethylene. The color may be jet black.The finish detail is meant to act as anti-friction liner

FIGS. 23-28 schematically illustrate examples of additional alternativeshutter button mechanisms for camera-enabled mobile device cases inaccordance with certain embodiments.

FIG. 23 schematically illustrates another half-press/full-press shutterbutton assembly including a wave spring assembly built into button,button has post that will actuate a 2 stage snap dome for half press andfull press features. Spring designed to allow compression of spring toactuate half press, then further pressing will hit the second switchwhich will actuate the full press

FIG. 24 schematically illustrates another half-press/full-press shutterbutton assembly including a spring that compresses controlled distanceand actuates a snap dome for half press, conductive rubber on the bottomof the button will compress a controlled distance and will close acircuit to actuate the full press.

FIG. 25 schematically illustrates another half-press/full-press shutterbutton assembly including a spring that compresses a controlled distanceand actuates a snap dome for half press, a second spring that willcompress when half press is actuated and will ensure the first springwill not compress, second spring will actuate the full press function.

FIG. 26 schematically illustrates another half-press/full-press shutterbutton assembly including a button that compresses and slightlycollapses an elastomeric dome switch that will close a circuit andactuates the half press function, then traveling another short distancewill depress snap dome to actuate the full press function.

FIG. 27 schematically illustrates another half-press/full-press shutterbutton assembly including a similar idea as the previous example of FIG.26, except the design is linear. Slight press of button will collapseelastomeric dome switch with conductive contacts that closes a circuitand actuates half press function, then slightly more travel to depresssnap dome to actuate the full press function.

FIG. 28 schematically illustrates another half-press/full-press shutterbutton assembly including a custom designed two stage collapsibleelastomeric dome switch with auxiliary spring to control force needed todepress to the half press function. First collapse with a conductiveelastomer will depress and close a circuit to actuate the half pressfunction, then slightly more pressure on button will create secondcollapse with a second conductive elastomer contact that will close acircuit and actuate the full press function.

Smart Case System for Mobile Photography

A smart case system for mobile photography is provided herein, includinga case, an auxiliary lens and a software app. The case may includefeatures described elsewhere herein including lens recognitionelectronics, a half-press/full-press shutter button feature, a lensattachment interface that permits stable mechanical coupling of anauxiliary lens to a mobile device that uses mechanical features toprecisely align the auxiliary lens with an on-board camera module of thedevice. In addition, attachment locations are provided in certainembodiments for a wearable strap and tripod attachment.

A recognizable auxiliary lens attachment is also provided herein. Theauxiliary lens attachment can be selected from multiple lens attachmentsthat may be used to provide enhanced photography in different ways. Forexample, one auxiliary lens attachment may provide a wide field of view,while another may provide a more distant or closer focus plane than theon-board camera module of the mobile device can provide. An auxiliarylens attachment may be provided that includes a zoom feature or anautofocus or manual focus feature including one or more movable optics(using piezo, MEMS, or VCM, e.g.,) within a fixed lens barrel or coupledto a fixed lens barrel. The auxiliary lens attachment may include asingle lens or a stack of two or more lenses.

Auxiliary lens attachments are provided in certain embodiments that arerecognizable by a mobile device case. The auxiliary lenses and mobiledevice case are constructed with custom or standardized complementarylens recognition features. Several embodiments have been illustrated inexamples elsewhere herein.

A software application is also provided herein which controls aprocessor on a PCB embedded within a mobile device case and receivesdata from a lens attachment interface that couples mechanically,electrically and/or wirelessly with an auxiliary lens attachment toprovide a signal to be processed by the processor, such that based onthis data, auxiliary lens specific user-selectable functions may be usedto improve the mobile photography experience. In addition, certainautomatic settings that depend on auxiliary lens type are performed incertain embodiments that enhance captured images by pre-capture settingsor post-capture edits.

FIGS. 29-33 illustrate screen shots of graphics generated based onprogramming and data gathered by components of a camera-enabled mobiledevice case in accordance with certain embodiments. For example, FIG. 29illustrates wide angle lens recognition, and FIGS. 30-31 illustratetouch screen lighting and exposure adjustment while the shutter buttonillustrated by the examples illustrated at FIGS. 10 and 17A-28 ishalf-pressed as in FIG. 32. FIG. 33 illustrates a full pressed shutterbutton for image capture in accordance with certain embodiments. Certainremote control feature may also be included, e.g., as set forth atWO2012096433, which is incorporated by reference.

Auxiliary Lens for Mobile Photography

Traditional mobile photo lenses provide ordinary picture quality forordinary use. An advantageous auxiliary lens can be attached inaccordance with various embodiments described by way of example hereinto enhance the mobile photography experience. In certain embodiments, anauxiliary lens includes smart lens functionality.

Referring again to the example illustrated schematically at FIG. 1, aBluetooth module may be embedded inside the lens 22. The main PCBillustrated schematically in FIG. 1 includes a Bluetooth smart radio 18.The lens 22 with Bluetooth module is advantageously configured as asmart lens capable of talking wirelessly to the case 2, e.g., to provideassociated technical data that enhance the mobile photographyexperience. The lens 22 with Bluetooth module may also be configured totalk wirelessly to the mobile device and/or an external device.

In certain embodiments, an auxiliary lens 22 may include a microbayonetmount. The microbayonet mount may include a thin element that extends inthe plane approximately normal to the optical path of the lens 22. Theshape of the microbayonet mount may be selected in accordance with theshape of the cavity defined in the lens attachment interface 6 that iscoupled to or integral with the case 2. Examples of lens attachmentinterfaces in accordance with certain embodiments are provided in FIG.10 as element 202, and in FIGS. 11A-11G, 13A-13C, and 14.

The shape of the cavity defined in the lens attachment interface mayinclude any regular or irregular polygon or combination of curved andstraight edges that permits the microbayonet element of the auxiliarylens (see, e.g., FIG. 8, elements 96 and 98 and FIG. 9, elements 110 and112, and FIGS. 11H-11T) to penetrate the plane of the cavity defined inthe lens attachment interface 6, and then to stably couple the lens 22to the lens attachment interface 6 upon rotation or translation of thepenetrated microbayonet element of the lens 22.

In another example, the microbayonet element may have an elliptical orrectangular shape. A corresponding lens attachment interface cavity mayhave a slightly larger elliptical or rectangular shape. The sizes andshapes of these two features are such that the microbayonet canpenetrate the cavity to attach or detach when the elliptical orrectangular shapes are aligned, while the microbayonet cannot cross theplane of the cavity when the elliptical or rectangular shapes arerelatively rotated by an angular amount within a range between someminimum angle and 90 degrees. In general, the shapes can be various,including an “x” shape, wherein the rotation by 45 degrees would beoptimal to secure the attachment.

The microbayonets, 96, 98 and 110, 112 of FIGS. 8 and 9, respectively,include a rectangular shape overlapping a circular shape at its center,wherein the long edge of the rectangle is greater than the diameter ofthe circle and the short edge of the rectangle is lesser than thediameter of the circle. The microbayonets 96, 98 and 110, 112 of FIGS. 8and 9, respectively, are hollow, or alternatively transparent withantireflection coatings, in the circular region which serves as anaperture that permits light to travel along the optical path towards theimage sensor of the mobile device. Thus, an auxiliary lens may have amicrobayonet feature that has tabs of any of a variety of oblong shapesthat protrude from a hollow or transparent center which accommodates theoptical path of the camera.

In several embodiments illustrated at FIGS. 10 and 11A-11C, the lensattachment interface has a barbell shape that includes a pair ofcircular regions connected by a thin middle region. One of the circularregions of the lens attachment interface 6 may serve both to couple withthe lens 22 in accordance with the microbayonet embodiment and as anaperture to accommodate light traveling along the optical path from theobject to be imaged through the auxiliary lens, the aperture, thebuilt-in lens of the camera module and ultimate to the image sensor. Theother circular region defined in the lens attachment interface 6, ormount plate as it may also be referred to, provides room for amicrophone and/or flash that are provided on the back of an iPhone,Android, Samsung or other camera-enabled smartphone device.

FIGS. 11D-11G schematically illustrate another example embodiment of alens attachment interface 6 or mount plate, e.g., a microbayonent mount,that is embedded into the lens case 2 to provide secure attachment of anauxiliary lens 22 to the case 2 that is itself stably coupled around amobile camera-enabled device. FIG. 11D schematically illustrates a lensattachment interface 220 that is integral with or stably attachable to amobile phone case. The lens attachment interface 220 or mount plate 220of FIG. 11D defines a first cavity 222 and a second cavity 224. Thefirst cavity 222 accommodates both the coupling of an auxiliary lens 22having a microbayonet feature (see FIGS. 8 and 9) and an unencumberedoptical path of the camera module. The second cavity 224 accommodates aflash and/or microphone that may be built into the mobile device.

The first and second cavities 222 and 224 can be shaped and positionedto accommodate the locations of the image sensor and flash/microphonefeatures wherever they may be placed on the mobile device. For example,embodiments provided herein at FIGS. 10, 11A-11G and 12A-12D, amongothers, illustrate features that match iPhone features. However, LGAndroid devices typically have the image sensor and flash centered atone long end of the device and a microphone nearer the bottom of thedevice, while a Samsung device typically has the image sensor and flashapproximately centered on the device. Regardless of where the imagesensor and flash are located, the features of the described embodimentscan be modified to accommodate the location, size and shape of thecamera module of a particular device without significantly changing thegeneral characteristics and advantages of the functional case, auxiliarylens and lens attachment interface coupling feature,half-press/full-press shutter button which may also vary in location,size and shape depending on the mobile device with which the case iscoupled around, and the functional software applications set forth inembodiments described herein.

A macro auxiliary lens may include a 10× to 20× macro lens that enablesclose-focus high resolution mobile photography. Other auxiliary lensesmay include a super wide angle auxiliary lens, a fisheye auxiliary lens,a zooming auxiliary lens and/or a lens described in US2014/0071547,which is incorporated by reference.

FIGS. 11H-11T schematically illustrate examples of an auxiliary lensholder in accordance with certain embodiments that is particularlysuited for coupling at a bayonet lend attachment interface as describedwith reference to FIGS. 11A-11G.

Functional Features of Smart Case for Mobile Photography

A smart in accordance with certain embodiments includes severalfunctional features. Enhanced lighting performance may be provided by,e.g., one or more white LEDs or other light sources embedded into thesmart case to illuminate an object or a scene to be imaged. The abilityto created optimum illumination geometries for mobile photography beyondthe simple mobile flash is an advantageous feature of a smart case inaccordance with certain embodiments.

Attachment of an auxiliary lens and/or other optical, electrical,wireless communication and mechanical features provide many advantages.For example, the case may include a Bluetooth radio that can be coupledin communication with various third party accessories including displaydevices, remote control devices and other processor-based devices. Thedesign of the smart case enables the attachment of additionalaccessories that enhance the mobile photography experience.

Stabilization is also provided. The embodiments described herein detaila smart case with the ability to provide image stabilization,particularly for macro and extreme telephoto lenses, that may beattached stably to a mobile device using an advantageous case and lensattachment interface as described with reference to several examplesherein.

Additional power is also provided in certain embodiments. FIGS. 34A-34Eschematically illustrate a battery door for a camera-enabled mobiledevice case in accordance with certain embodiments, and FIG. 41illustrates a coin cell battery. In the example of FIGS. 34A-34E, thedimensions are in millimeters. The material may be TPU/TPE shore 60-75A, and the hardness allows living hinge to work and hold battery inplace. The color may be jet black and the finish may be mold tech finishno. 11005. The example of FIGS. 34A-34E includes a 0.5-1.0 mm thick foamlayer to help push battery against battery contact. The additional powerprovided by a battery installed in the case may be used to power theprocessor and PCB and lens sensor of the case, and in some embodimentsto power the mobile device itself when, e.g., the mobile device is lowon battery power or is out of battery power. Additional Memory is alsoprovided in certain embodiments as a component included PCB of the case.

A customizable camera grip may be molded directly into a smart case inaccordance with certain embodiments. For example, a smart case inaccordance with certain embodiments allows for changing a grip faceplate material to many custom options. This enables one-handedphotography, and is ergonomically advantageous feature for many imagecapture purposes including capturing “selfies” when a one handed gripprovides the flexibility of selectably greater distances and angles forimage capture, and is particularly advantageous for pictures of two ormore persons who wish to have one arm around another person or simply beclose to another person without an out-stretched arm inhibiting thatcloseness.

FIGS. 36A-36D schematically illustrate a custom grip case for acamera-enabled mobile device case in accordance with certainembodiments. The dimensions are in millimeters. The material of thereplaceable custom grip plate may include leather, cork, canvas, metal,wood, plastic or rubber.

FIGS. 37A-37C schematically illustrate an inner cushion/lining of acamera-enabled mobile device case in accordance with certainembodiments. The dimensions are in millimeters and the material of theinner lining may include microfiber material, cork, felt or anotherfabric/textile.

FIGS. 38A-38G schematically illustrate a camera-enabled mobile devicecase configured to couple with a lens in accordance with certainembodiments. Various ergonomic alternatives are illustrated including arecess for auxiliary lens attachment, a grip feature that isparticularly advantageous for one-handed photography that is preferredfor capturing selfies. In the example of FIGS. 38A-38G, a case isschematically illustrated with components 1252 stacked on the cameraside while the other side balances with the grip 1254. A recess 1256 fora lens 1258 is schematically illustrated in FIG. 38E that allows forbetter integration. A grip texture 1260 is also schematicallyillustrated.

FIGS. 39A-39C schematically illustrate a camera-enabled mobile devicecase configured to couple with a lens in accordance with certainembodiments. The example of FIGS. 39A-39C schematically illustrates inperspective, front and side views, respectively, mass configurations ofa case battery board. FIG. 38A schematically illustrates locations for abattery 1262 and significant mass 1263, and a sensor coil 1264 and acamera and mount assembly 1266. In certain embodiments, components suchas a battery and perhaps one or more other heavy components are arrangedat the grip end of the smart case which perhaps ease of handling forone-handed picture taking. This feature permit ease of handling byreducing the torque that a single-handed camera grip has to counter tostabilize the camera against gravity, e.g., when taking a selfie. Adifference in torque can be very large between mounting case componentson the camera module end rather than on the grip end. Components mountedon the grip end may exert virtually no torque because the moment arm maybe reduced to zero or nearly zero or even negative if the grip isactually closer to the camera module and attached auxiliary lens thanthe heavy components that are arranged at the very opposite end of thecase. This balancing of the weight of components in the case with theweight of the attached auxiliary lens and lens attachment interface canprovide an enhanced one-handed picture taking experience.

Camera Strap Attachment

FIGS. 15I and 35A-35E schematically illustrate a camera strap attachmentfor a camera-enabled mobile device case in accordance with certainembodiments. In the example of FIGS. 35A-35E the dimensions are inmillimeters and the material may be aluminum 6061. Color and finish mayinclude matte black anodize, matte silver anodize, polished blackanodize and/or polished silver anodize. Sharp edges are broken andmachined chamfer where called out on drawings. Dual attachment to asmart case enables use of traditional camera straps. This can beachieved using a metal or hard plastic strap attachment adhered to thecase in final assembly or using a metal or hard plastic strap attachmentco-molded into the case in alternative embodiments or as set forth atUS2006/0124676, which is incorporated by reference.

Lens Cap

A custom lens cap is provided that works with auxiliary lenses onseveral types, shapes and sizes. In certain embodiments, a magnet isbuilt-in to allow a lens cap to stick to the metal lens holder material.A magnetic material such as a metal or magnet may be assembled or moldedinto the case to allow a place for a removed lens cap to rest when thelens cap is not being used to cover the lens, e.g., when an image isbeing taken using the auxiliary lens.

FIGS. 15A-15K schematically illustrate certain mobile device cases andadditional case features and accessories in accordance with certainembodiments. A tripod attachment is illustrated that includes a customtripod attachment that is attachable and detachable and allows themobile device case to be used on standard tripods with ¼-20 threadedinsert. A magnet is built into the tripod attachment in certainembodiments that magnetically attaches and aligns the tripod attachmentto metal built into case. A press fit attachment may be used in certainembodiments that creates an interference interface over an edge of thecase to hold it tightly in place.

Capacitive Touch Slider for Image Control

FIGS. 40-42 schematically illustrate a capacitive touch slider for acamera-enabled mobile phone device case in accordance with certainembodiments. These Figures relate to a capacitive touch slider feature.The board that is shown rotated in the FIGS. 40-42 is at the oppositeend of the phone from where the lens is. This feature is particularlyadvantageous for a picture taker who is using one hand to adjustprecapture settings and to capture the picture, such as when a selfie isbeing captured, especially when two or more persons are included in thescene.

A capacitive touch slider is provided in certain embodiments on anergonomic camera grip that allows via embedded firmware and applicationsoftware to control image exposure, contrast, aperture, ISO, shutterspeed, focus and/or image capture. The combination of the ergonomiccamera grip with balanced components for reduced torque and thecapacitive touch slider feature facilitate precapture setting adjustmentwhile the mobile device with or without auxiliary lens attachment isbalanced in position to capture a photo, particularly a selfie oroverhead image or an image otherwise difficult to capture with two handson the camera.

The capacitive slider in accordance with certain embodiments is designedto reject phone metal and antenna capacitive, radio frequency andmagnetic field effects. The capacitive slider is mounted in accordancewith certain embodiments at an ergonomic angle to ease use with one handand finger. In use in one example, the capacitive slider may be operatedby sliding a finger along the surface to change or select from a menu ofsoftware defined functions, while tapping the surface with the samefinger may actuate a software defined function that is selected, and/ordouble tapping the surface may actuates a software defined function. Thesingle tap may serve a similar role as a half-press of the shutterbutton described above, i.e., to adjust pre-capture settings beforetaking a picture, while the double tap may serve a similar role as afull-press of the shutter button described above, i.e., to capture theimage.

While an exemplary drawings and specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been described and illustrated, it is to be understoodthat that the scope of the present invention is not to be limited to theparticular embodiments discussed. Thus, the embodiments shall beregarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and it should beunderstood that variations may be made in those embodiments by workersskilled in the arts without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

In addition, in methods that may be performed according to preferredembodiments herein and that may have been described above, theoperations have been described in selected typographical sequences.However, the sequences have been selected and so ordered fortypographical convenience and are not intended to imply any particularorder for performing the operations, except for those where a particularorder may be expressly set forth or where those of ordinary skill in theart may deem a particular order to be necessary.

A group of items linked with the conjunction “and” in the abovespecification should not be read as requiring that each and every one ofthose items be present in the grouping in accordance with allembodiments of that grouping, as various embodiments will have one ormore of those elements replaced with one or more others. Furthermore,although items, elements or components of the invention may be describedor claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within thescope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated orclearly understood as necessary by those of ordinary skill in the art.

The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “atleast,” “but not limited to” or other such as phrases in some instancesshall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or requiredin instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The use of theterms “system” or “assembly” does not imply that the components orfunctionality described or claimed as part of the assembly are allconfigured in a common package. Indeed, any or all of the variouscomponents of a system, e.g., a case and a lens attachment interface maybe combined in a single package or separately maintained and may furtherbe manufactured, assembled or distributed at or through multiplelocations.

In addition, all references cited above and below herein, as well as thebackground, invention summary, abstract and brief description of thedrawings, are all incorporated by reference into the detaileddescription of the preferred embodiments as disclosing alternativeembodiments. Several embodiments of point action cameras have beendescribed herein and schematically illustrated by way of examplephysical, electronic and optical architectures. Other point actioncamera embodiments and embodiments of features and components of pointaction cameras that may be included within alternative embodiments, maybe described at one or a combination of U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,612,997,8,244,299, 8,593,745, 8,843,177, US published patent applications nos.2006/0124676, 2012/0282977, 2014/0071547, 2014/0226268, 2014/0071547,2013/0063554, 2010/0253826, 2009/0299813, 2002/0000689, 2001/0121116,2009/0089842, 2008/0276293, 2008/0271105, 2008/0271104, 2008/0172708and/or European patent no. EP2613448.

We claim:
 1. A protective mobile device case that is configured forcoupling around a camera-enabled mobile device that includes a miniaturecamera module embedded within the mobile device, which itself includes abuilt-in lens and an image sensor for capturing digital images, aprocessor configured for processing the digital images, and a mobiledevice display for viewing the digital images, wherein the casecomprises: a case housing that includes a unitary component that isconfigured to couple around a back plane and top, bottom, left and rightsides of a camera-enabled mobile device, wherein the unitary componentis flexible for receiving and removing the camera-enabled mobile device;a lens attachment interface that defines a camera-flash aperture in thecase at a location that permits transmission of a camera flash toilluminate objects in a scene and that permits transmission of imagedata for capturing an image of the objects in the scene focused by thebuilt-in lens onto the image sensor; electrical circuitry that isprogrammable by a software application in accordance with a lensrecognition process, selectable pre-capture settings or post-captureimage editing or combinations thereof; wherein said lens attachmentinterface is embedded within or integral with the case and configuredfor coupling a removable lens assembly to the case in stable alignmentalong the optical path of the miniature camera module; and a batteryinstalled in the case that is configured for powering the electricalcircuitry of the case or for powering the mobile device when the devicebattery is low or out of power, or combinations thereof.